Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon inaugurated at St. Francis College

January 27, 2015 By Dipti Kumar Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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The inauguration of Jo Anne Simon, the newly elected New York State Assemblymember from the 52nd Assembly District, was nothing short of a grand celebration.

With U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, Public Advocate Letitia James and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams in attendance, the Sunday afternoon ceremony at St. Francis College on Remsen Street was a packed affair.

“I’m proud to say she is my Assemblywoman,” remarked Schumer.

“It’s an honor and a privilege,” said James, speaking about Simon’s new position. “During the last session, only 25 percent of the assemblymembers were women, which included Jo Anne’s predecessor, Joan Millman.”

The Boerum Hill resident and lawyer for disability rights replaces Millman and will assume her responsibilities immediately, overseeing a number of key committees.

“I am going to be serving on the Judiciary Committee, higher education, labor, transportation and consumer affairs,” Simon told the crowd.

The official swearing-in was a memorable moment, but it was Simon’s sister, Barbara Simon Lynch, who summed up the new Assemblymember’s strength through an emotional speech and final statement.

“Don’t ‘shake it off;’ shake ’em up,” remarked Simon Lynch.

After the Brooklyn Youth Chorus delivered a memorable performance, Simon said, “When you are singing together, you have to work together. You have to express yourself, but you have to sometimes stifle yourself. You have to work together — it is such a metaphor for life.”